Zuheir Sofia to be Recognized as Honorary Doctorate

WKU graduate Zuheir Sofia will receive the Honorary Doctor of Business Leadership during commencement ceremonies on Saturday, December 14.

Sofia, a native of Syria, received his bachelor’s degree in economics and business administration in 1969, and went on to become chairman, president, and CEO of Business Bank of Florida Corp and chairman of Sofia & Company, Inc. He was inducted into WKU’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 1998.

In recognition of a generous gift to support WKU’s International Center, the facility was named the Sofia-Downing International Center to honor him and Dr. Dero Downing, his longtime friend and WKU’s fourth president. He also funded the Capps-Wurster International Scholarship.

"Zuheir Sofia is an incredible example of the power of education in a person's life. He is a tremendous role model for our students," said Dean Jeff Katz. "The Gordon Ford College of Business is proud that he is the first recipient of the Honorary Doctor of Business Leadership."